Wallabies halfback Will Genia says Israel Folau's Australian career over

Eamonn Tiernan and Daniel Gilhooly

AAP

Thursday, 18 April 2019 2:25 pm

Folau challenges breach notice

Rugby star Israel Folau has made a last minute decision to challenge a breach notice issued by Rugby Australia over a series of controversial social media posts.

Wallabies vice-captain Will Genia has slammed international teammate Israel Folau and believes he's played his final Test alongside the controversial star.

Rugby Australia issued Folau a breach of contract notice following repeated homophobic social media posts, but the 30-year-old will fight for his career at a code of conduct hearing next week.

Genia admits teammates will struggle to play alongside Super Rugby's all-time leading try-scorer if the NSW fullback successfully overturns his sacking.

Folau vowed to walk away from the game if Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle felt the situation became untenable and he has been labelled a hypocrite for calling the hearing.

Genia said Folau was being selfish and emphasised the Wallabies could still win the World Cup this year without arguably their best player.

Will Genia says his Wallabies teammates will struggle to accept Israel Folau in the national team.Image: AAP

"You can have your beliefs and have faith ... but you can't go around trying to tell people they'll be going to hell because they are a certain way, for me that's completely wrong," Genia told the Fox Sports' Rugby Podcast.

"I certainly think it makes it a bit uncomfortable for people within both those teams (NSW and Australia) and environments to sort of relate to him and moving forward maybe even play with him.

"I'm probably resigned to the fact I won't play with him again.

"If you've gone and said those things (walk away from the game) to (Wallabies coach Michael) Cheika and Raelene, there's a breach of trust and I guess there's an element of selfishness about it."

Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels predicts Folau's rugby career will soon be over and says the sport will be poorer for his absence.